In a hotel room on Thursday night, Harold Brantley finally told his mother the truth. He was nervous.
The next day would be one of the biggest of his life. Missouri Western’s pro day offered the former Missouri defensive tackle the opportunity to work out in front of NFL scouts, all of whom would be eyeing him closely.
Brantley, who had been given a third-round draft grade before the single-car crash that changed his life, knew he’d face plenty of questions, too.
He tried to put on a brave face for his mom, Shantih Dean. But mothers know when something is wrong, and she knew just what to say.